GSGB Show Report
Our Roving Reporter Lucia has put together a report on the recent GSGB Open Show held on 27th September
The GSGB Open Show 2008 was my first show, so I didn’t know what to expect. I just wanted to see what showing is all about. When I got there, the weather was just right and I got a warm welcome from the members who were outside the church hall.
In the show hall there were more quality fancy goldfish than I have ever seen in one place! Almost all breeds were represented, including some that are rarely seen in the UK, such as Wakin, Jikin, Tosakin and Pompons. The Bristol Shubunkins, Broadtail Moors, Fantails and Lionheads were out in force. The size ranged from tiny 1” Bristols through to big twin-tailed fancies larger than a tennis ball.
Some breeds were more numerous than others, and there was only a single Celestial and Comet. I realised that my Comets would have been in with a chance if I had entered them. There were some familiar faces of the fishy kind; I recognised John Parker’s ‘Imperials in the making’ and Chris Whitehurst’s Calico Pompons.
A Calico Bubble-eye
There was also a wide selection of fish available in the auction. Almost all the lots were sold, and many members went home with bargains because some fish went for surprisingly low prices. The credit crunch bites fishkeeping perhaps?
A magnificent Bristol Shubunkin at the auction
There were some delicious cakes made by members and members’ wives, and hot drinks served all day. I would like to thank everyone who helped with the food and behind the scenes for making it a great day.
After the judging
Some of the highlights in the splendid collection of Carassius auratus were:
Bristol Shubunkins, very well marked.
Tony Roberts’ Bristols were 1st in their class
Intensely coloured Broadtail Moors.
Tony Roberts’ Broadtail Moor, Best Breeders’ Single Entry
Beautifully coloured red and yellow Commons.
Ian Mildon’s Common, 1st in its class
Huge Pearlscales, probably the fattest goldfish I have ever seen.
Barry Collins’ Pearlscale was larger than a tennis ball
A large and well-coloured red and white Wakin. These are not often seen, but I like their combination of normal shape and divided tail.
Ron Moore’s Wakin, 1st in its class
John Parker’s ‘Imperials in the making’. These single-tails are already elegant little fish.
1st in the Experimentals class
After the auction and judging, John Parker announced the prize-winners. There was a goody-bag of aquatic products for all the winners, trophies for the first in each class and prizes such as food, air pumps, heaters and filters for most of the first in each class. Ray Rich won Best in Show with a Calico Fantail.
The Best in Show Calico Fantail
Afterwards there was a lot of work emptying tanks, drying tanks and putting away staging. I emptied quite a few tanks myself; my arms were tired for the next two days! Oh well, at least it was a good excuse not to go to the gym.
I also met a few people for the first time from Top Quality Goldfish and the Goldfish Society of Great Britain. There were many people I already knew from the GSGB meetings.
I would recommend anyone who is interested in fancy goldfish to go to a show at least once. It is an opportunity to see good examples of most available varieties and to meet fellow goldfish enthusiasts. There are breeds to appeal to everyone, from the extreme features of the Bubble-eye to the simple beauty of a well-coloured Common goldfish. Most of the fish are very different from anything you will see in the average pet shop or even most good aquarium shops. It is also a good place to get a few tips from the experts on how to keep your fish looking their best!
Lucia Naidu